Pefection: best practiced in moderation

Alternate title: I’m gonna live forever.

The story:

Though perfection is an impossible goal, striving for it can be a boon for one’s health, causing one to stick to exercise programs to a tee, say, or follow a strict regimen for treating chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes. But the same lofty goals can mean added mental pressure when mistakes are made and the resistance to asking for help from others in fear of revealing one’s true, imperfect self.

In fact studies show the personality trait of perfectionism is linked to poor physical health and an increased risk of death.

See, that’s why I’m so prudent with my perfection. Plus, people get so jealous.

Money graph:

Researchers are just beginning to tease apart this complex trait and its relation to health.

“Perfectionism is a virtue to be extolled definitely,” said Prem Fry, a psychology professor at Trinity Western University in Canada. “But beyond a certain threshold, it backfires and becomes an impediment,” she said.

Moderation is the key!